Running a Nonprofit More Like a Business

Is it possible to refrain from physical violence when the words “run it more like a business” fall out of the mouth of a board member? Probably not, but Stacey and Andy have some coping strategies. Also this week, we talk about how to keep the energy of a good mission, vision and values discussion, and finally, now that you’re receiving federal grant money is it time to hire a grant accountant?

Lobbying and Advocacy with Guest Expert April Mastroluca

This week, Guest Expert April Mastroluca sets the record straight on lobbying and advocacy! Plus, what should an ED do if a board member recommends a job candidate you’re not thrilled about? We have opinions! And Stacey and Andy have some thoughts on how (and whether) to squeeze your vendors for donations to your organization.

Topics:
  • A board member is recommending a job candidate I don’t like! – 0:00
  • Advocacy and lobbying tips (and corrections) with Guest Expert April Mastroluca – 5:43
  • Should we ask our vendors to donate, too? – 19:56

Board Member Wants the ED to Record a Political Campaign Message

It’s bad board member behavior week here at the Nonprofit Everything podcast! What should we do if a board member wants our ED to record a message talking about what a great board member they are (and oh, by the way, they’re running for office)? And how do you talk a board member out of their own program ideas? We have opinions! Also, Stacey and Andy talk about whether to market to constituents or donors first.

Topics:
  • Should an ED record a campaign ad for a board member running for office? – 0:00
  • Help! A board member is fixated on starting a new program! – 8:57
  • Should we be marketing to constituents or donors? – 17:40

Preserving Culture During Expansion

hould we follow up with a potential board member who expressed interest and then vanished? Stacey has opinions! Also, this week we talk about managing third-party fundraisers, whether there are any benefits to not paying down debt, and how to maintain an awesome work culture during a big expansion.

Topics:
  • Should we follow up with a board member who expressed interest and then vanished? – [skipto time="0:00"]
  • What should we do if people want to host fundraisers for us? – [skipto time="4:51"]
  • Is there a tax benefit to carrying debt? – [skipto time="12:25"]
  • How do we preserve our great company culture when we’re expanding? – [skipto time="20:01"]

Save the Date! The Alliance for Nevada Nonprofits 2021 Conference will be held at The Center on October 14-15 in Las Vegas. Click for more information or to register!

Board Member Insulting Nonprofit Workers

How do you handle a board member that thinks that people work for nonprofits because they can’t hack it in the “real world?” This one makes Stacey use her angry voice. Also, a listener asks if we think starting a podcast is a good idea, and Andy takes far too long explaining the differences between various flavors of financial audit.

Topics:
  • What to do about a board member that insults nonprofit workers? – 0:00
  • Should we start a mission-related podcast? – 9:08
  • Is it time to get a financial audit? Which kind? – 17:42
Episode Sponsor:

Today’s Nonprofit Everything podcast is sponsored by The LGBTQ Community Center of Southern Nevada, best known as The Center. For more than 25 years, The Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBTQIA+ individuals and those who are underserved in Nevada. The Center is a haven for all, welcoming and celebrating the diversity of our communities and helping empower people to live authentic lives. See thecenterlv.org for more information.

Board Member’s Troublesome Tweets

Should an organization switch from a 501(c)4 to a 501(c)3? Stacey and Andy have thoughts! This week we also talk about who should own consultant developed content, and what to do when a board member’s social media posts don’t reflect the values of the organization.

Topics:
  • Should we switch from a 501(c)3 to a 501(c)4? – 0:00
  • Help! One of our board members is Tweeting racist nonsense! – 8:39
  • Who owns consultant developed curriculum? – 24:0]

Joining Other Nonprofit Boards

Should a nonprofit pay their employees’ dues when they serve on other nonprofit boards? Stacey has thoughts. Also this week, we talk about contract employees wanting to join the board, and Andy resorts to a sports analogy to make a point about multitasking. Finally, we get some well-earned listener feedback from Girls on the Run ED, Kate McLaughlin.

Topics:
  • A contract employee wants to join the board – 0:00
  • I’m drowning! Any multitasking tips? – 5:38
  • Should we pay for employees to serve on other nonprofit boards? – 17:14
  • Update on using copyrighted music, with Kate McLaughlin – 27:02
Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by the HR Collaborative. The HR Collaborative was formed to help build nonprofit strengths through improved human resources. It provides professional development opportunities, networking and sharing of best practices on HR issues faced by nonprofit organizations. The Collaborative meets bi-monthly. Membership is free and open to anyone who works for a nonprofit and has HR responsibilities. For more information or to attend an upcoming meeting, visit their website at www.hrcollaborativelv.org.

Is it Legal to have a Single-Ethnicity Board?

Just two questions this week, but one of them’s juicy. Guess which one: Should we pay a professional auctioneer for our silent auction? or Is it legal to have a single-ethnicity board? As always, Stacey and Andy have opinions!

Topics:
  • Should we hire a professional auctioneer for our live auction? – 0:00
  • Is it legal for a nonprofit to have a single-ethnicity board? – 8:20
Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by Immunize Nevada. Arm yourself by getting your annual flu vaccine. It protects you, your family, and those working on the front lines. Do your part. Get your flu vaccine by Nevada Day. Visit nvflufighter.org for more information and to find free and low-cost clinics.

Selling My Nonprofit

A listener asks if they need to convert their nonprofit to a foundation before selling it. Really. (This will be fun.) Also, what happens when board members hire their friends for paid contracts? We have opinions! And Stacy and Andy switch roles on encouraging a recalcitrant employee to fill out timesheets.

Topics:
  • Do I have to convert my 501(c)3 to a foundation before selling it? – 0:00
  • How do I deal with a board member hiring a friend? – 7:56
  • Is there a way to get an employee to fill out timesheets on time? – 18:42
Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by Immunize Nevada. Arm yourself by getting your annual flu vaccine. It protects you, your family, and those working on the front lines. Do your part. Get your flu vaccine by Nevada Day. Visit nvflufighter.org for more information and to find free and low-cost clinics.

A Grantwriting Intern

It’s intern week at Nonprofit Everything! What happens if a student worker won’t send you an invoice? And better yet — what should you do if a board member wants their child to work for you as a grantwriter over the summer? Finally, what do you do when it turns out that your new Board Member was also an ED candidate>? We have thoughts!

Topics:
  • Student worker won’t send an invoice – 0:00
  • Summer job as a grantwriter – 7:04
  • Our new board member applied for my ED job! – 16:32
Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by the Alliance for Nevada Nonprofits job board. Your one-stop shop for the next step in your career! Searching job listings is totally free, and ANN members receive a big discount when posting new jobs. There are dozens of nonprofit jobs available right here in Nevada (and out of state jobs, too!) Check it out at jobs.alliancefornevadanonprofits.com.